But, the census data shows the number of planned wages (WBA) and high-propensity (HBA) business applications have not shown the same level of bounce-back. That’s not so good.

The failure rate for new businesses is somewhere around half, with about 50% calling it quits after the first five years.

Not a great stat, but it does mean that 50% are surviving past the five-year mark. The outlook depends on how you view the proverbial glass.

The Small Business Administration says that almost 80% of new businesses make it through their first 12 months. Although that might surprise you, it’s definitely a much better statistic to focus on.